Identification of a 'snapshot' of co-expressed angiogenic markers in laser-dissected vessels from unstable carotid plaques with targeted arrays.
2010, J Vasc Res. 2010;47(4):323-35. Epub 2009 Dec 16.
Slevin M, Turu MM, Rovira N, Luque A, Baldellou M, Krupinski J, Badimon L.
Related authors of the center Badimon Lina, Baldellou Maribel, Slevin Mark.
Slevin M, Turu MM, Rovira N, Luque A, Baldellou M, Krupinski J, Badimon L.
Related authors of the center Badimon Lina, Baldellou Maribel, Slevin Mark.
School of Biology, Chemistry and Health Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK. [email protected]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Angiogenesis is a feature of the atherogenic process, with intimal neovascularisation arising from vessels in the adventitia, adjacent to a plaque. Immature, leaky blood vessels from unstable plaques proliferate abnormally and, being poorly invested with smooth muscle cells, may contribute to instability of the plaque by facilitation of inflammatory cell infiltration and haemorrhagic complications.
METHODS: We used laser-capture microdissection to isolate angiogenic areas of the extracellular matrix (containing CD105/flt-1-positive, fragile thin-walled vessels) and non-angiogenic vascular areas (CD105-negative, with smooth muscle cell covering) of complicated endarterectomy plaques, and specifically designed angiogenesis-TaqMan real-time PCR microarrays to identify gene expression.
RESULTS: Important pro-angiogenic components, including Notch-3, delta-like-4 (DLL4), Tie-2, angiopoietin-1 (Angio-1) and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), and one anti-angiogenic factor, endostatin, were up-regulated in these regions. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated localisation within intimal, active (CD105-positive) microvessels and co-localisation of Notch-3 and DLL4/Tie-2 and Angio-1 in the same vessels indicating multiple/synergistic signalling mechanisms associated with vessel development.
CONCLUSION: These data, although providing only a snapshot of information, demonstrate that plaque vascularisation occurs in the presence of multiple angiogenically active factors. Knowledge of their combined effects could help in the formulation of novel therapeutics designed to stabilise or prevent their formation in the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Copyright 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.
Many thanks to the BBVA Foundation.
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Angiogenesis is a feature of the atherogenic process, with intimal neovascularisation arising from vessels in the adventitia, adjacent to a plaque. Immature, leaky blood vessels from unstable plaques proliferate abnormally and, being poorly invested with smooth muscle cells, may contribute to instability of the plaque by facilitation of inflammatory cell infiltration and haemorrhagic complications.
METHODS: We used laser-capture microdissection to isolate angiogenic areas of the extracellular matrix (containing CD105/flt-1-positive, fragile thin-walled vessels) and non-angiogenic vascular areas (CD105-negative, with smooth muscle cell covering) of complicated endarterectomy plaques, and specifically designed angiogenesis-TaqMan real-time PCR microarrays to identify gene expression.
RESULTS: Important pro-angiogenic components, including Notch-3, delta-like-4 (DLL4), Tie-2, angiopoietin-1 (Angio-1) and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), and one anti-angiogenic factor, endostatin, were up-regulated in these regions. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated localisation within intimal, active (CD105-positive) microvessels and co-localisation of Notch-3 and DLL4/Tie-2 and Angio-1 in the same vessels indicating multiple/synergistic signalling mechanisms associated with vessel development.
CONCLUSION: These data, although providing only a snapshot of information, demonstrate that plaque vascularisation occurs in the presence of multiple angiogenically active factors. Knowledge of their combined effects could help in the formulation of novel therapeutics designed to stabilise or prevent their formation in the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Copyright 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.
Many thanks to the BBVA Foundation.
Catalan Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences
Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Pavelló del Convent
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Spain
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